Competition/Titles Update Winter 2022

Competition/Titles Update Winter 2022

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs!

AGILITY

Agility Grand Champion (AGCH)

• AGCH MACH3 Up&Running A Mile A Minute CDX MXG PAD MJC PJD MXP MFS TQX MFP T2B2 T2BP2 owned by Julie Hill of Mandeville, LA

Master Agility Championships (MACH) 

Congratulations to these dogs who have earned more MACHs:

• MACH6 Rrh Lulu MXG2 PAD MJB3 PJD MFB TQX T2B2 owned by Denise Tudor-Hayes of Loveland, OH 
• MACH3 Sullivan’s Remy MXC MJC CGC owned by Robert & Kit Sullivan of Richmond, VA 
• MACH2 Finnigans Give Me A Little Wiggle Room MXG PAD MJG MFB TQX T2B owned by Beth Bruno of Mount Laurel, NJ 
• MACH5 Jeter Morris MXC MJB2 MXP MJP2 OF NFP T2B TKI owned by Kaela Morris of Thousand Oaks, CA 
• MACH4 Sachiko Lawn Dart MXB2 MJC XF T2B4 owned by Krisanne Crosby of North Chesterfield, VA 
• MACH2 Ontarget Surf’s Up MXG MJS MACH2 owned by Kara Mackenzie of Peyton, CO 
• MACH14 Olive Hawkins MXB4 PDG MJG4 PJS MFS TQX T2B9 CGC TKI owned by Stefanie & Craig Hawkins of Florence, KY 
• MACH3 Siegel’s Cali MXG MJG MXF T2B DN owned by Lauren Siegel of Dinwiddie, VA 
• MACH3 Zoey Woofta Crow MXG PAD MJG PJD MFB TQX MFP T2B3 FCAT2 TKN owned by Anjie Crow of Hermitage, TN 
• MACH5 Everlasting’s Matilda CD BN RE MXB2 PDS MJB2 PJS MFS TQX T2B4 BCAT owned by Elizabeth Ann Powell of Evansville, IL 
• MACH3 Piper Pie Swanson MXC PDS MJB2 PJD MFG TQX T2B4 DCAT owned by Diane Grace Swanson of San Antonio, TX 
• MACH8 Mighty Milo Vogel MXC2 PDS MJB3 PJS MFB TQX T2B5 owned by Kathleen Rose Vogel of Bay City, MI 

Congratulations to these first-time MACHs:

MACH Dash Of Schooler’s Hill RN MXB MJB OF owned by Meghan, Steve, & Becky Ponton of Fredericksburg, VA
Dash earned his MACH on Aug. 1, 2021, at Level Up Dog Sports in Mechanicsville, VA.

“He is an awesome dog, and there will definitely never be another one like him,” Meghan said. Right after he earned his MACH, he moved into a well-deserved retirement from agility. “We both miss doing agility together but going out with his MACH was the best way to do it.” They endured hardships on the way to earning the MACH, from health problems to COVID, “but finally earning this title was the highlight of my year for sure. He is my best friend, and I am so glad we were able to be teammates.”

MACH Paige MXB MJB MJP MXF T2B2 owned by Flora Steffan of Silverlake, OR 

Paige is from Herd U Needed a Home Rescue, and Flora adopted her at 4 weeks old.

“Paige has always impressed me with her incredible intelligence. The tiny puppy that I brought home grew into an incredible athlete. From jumping on to my horse on command to riding a surfboard, she was always up for the challenge. Though she is sweet and kind now, she was a tenacious puppy who out-thought me every day.”

Paige has also excelled in trick training and has inspired Flora to train other dogs in agility and other sports. “I could not ask for a better mentor for my additional dogs. Whether she is herding sheep or cows on the ranch, hiking with me, horseback riding, performing at a training camp, doing a trick, swimming, or competing at an agility trial, Paige gives from her heart every time.” Paige earned her MACH in August 2021 at the Greater Clark County Kennel Club trial in Ridgefield, WA. Photo by Joe Camp.

MACH Tigger T. Porter CD BN RE MXS MJS XF T2B CGC TKN owned by Wendy Porter of Staunton, IL 
Team Tigger earned their MACH on Aug. 20, 2021, at the Greater St. Louis Agility Club trial. Tigger is a 7-year-old terrier mix who was rescued from the shelter and adopted by Wendy in January 2015.

When Wendy adopted Tigger, she was competing in multiple dog sports with her teammate Pogo, also a terrier mix. Wendy’s specific goal with Tigger was to earn a MACH. “This is a lofty goal with a dog that has had no training, no socialization, no discipline at all. Tigger had spent her early youth running the streets of a large city. She was just this side of wild,” Wendy said. “I have access to a number of really great trainers, and I have called on them all at some point along the journey. I am so grateful to have had their help along the way.”

Tigger and Wendy also compete in and have titled in AKC Rally, AKC Obedience, AKC Scent Work, and Barn Hunt.

MACH Tucket MXB MJG XF T2B CGC TKI owned by Dinah McQueen & Tina Ratonyi of Alpharetta, GA 

Tucket was a matted mess when he was rescued by the Cocker Spaniel rescue organization.

Dinah and Tina met Tucket at an adopt-a-pet day in December 2013. “I did not know that Tucket was going to go home with us that day, I was not 100% sold on him, but Tina made a beeline for him and said, ‘This is your dog!’”

They asked the rescue if they could take him home to see how he would do with their other animals. Tucket did great, and he has been with them from that day.

But there were some issues to work through. He ran and hid at any sudden noise and would crouch down at any sudden movement.

They took him to obedience classes, and he learned very quickly. Dinah started teaching tricks to build his confidence, and he has earned his AKC Intermediate Trick Dog title and CGC. “All Tucket wanted to do was to make us happy. We soon discovered that he was always happy and just wanted to have fun!” Dinah said.

Next, they decided to try agility just for fun, with no intention of competing. “He loved agility (except for the teeter which makes a loud bang). To this day Tucket still crawls down the teeter.”

Friends encouraged them to attend a trial; Tucket did great and loved the sport. They were hooked on agility and this began their six-year journey to the MACH, which they received at the Four Paws Agility Club trial on Oct. 2, 2021. “Tucket is my first agility dog, and he will always have a very special place in my heart!”

MACH Kiah Warrick MXB MJB OF T2B CGC TKA owned by Cynthia Warrick of Littleton, CO 

“We had the good fortune to find Kiah in Northern Colorado in 2015,” Cynthia said. She was born in a horse barn and advertised as a “toy aussie.” There were two puppies to choose from.

“Kiah was very shy and quiet, but immediately stole our hearts. It became apparent early on that she was very intelligent.” Cynthia had seen agility on television and found it fascinating, so decided to give it a try.

Kiah excelled, and soon they were both hooked. During COVID they found tricks to be a fun distraction, so they added some trick titles. Kiah earned her MACH at the Front Range Agility Association of Denver on Oct. 3, 2021.

MACH Belle’s Gingersnap RI MXS MJB OF T2B TKP owned by Donna Zygarlicke of Marshfield, WI 
Belle was adopted as an 8-week-old puppy from Friends of the Shelter in Hartford, KY, in June 2013. “We live in Wisconsin but saw this cute little Cocker mix puppy on Petfinder, and my husband, who drove a semi at the time, was able to drive down and pick her up. She rode with him along his route and back to our home,” Donna said.

“It was apparent from the day she came home that she needed an outlet for her energy; she literally jumped over what ever got in her way and used the back of the couch as her trampoline,” Donna said.

After Belle recovered from an immune disorder (IMT) they took an obedience class and then to agility classes when she was about 1 year old. They began going to trials in spring 2015, and while she did very well, Belle had some stress issues in the ring. Donna was also new to the sport, and it took a bit for them to get into sync with each other. “Then we hit a rough year and a half where things weren’t going so well. But Belle seemed to really love being there – she wanted to get out and run, so we persisted.”

The past year she did amazingly well, and they achieved the goal of their first MACH on Oct 17, 2021, at the Fond Du Lac Kennel Club in Wisconsin. Belle will be 9 in April, so Donna decided to drop her down to Preferred and “she really seems to love the lower jump height.”

“Belle is a very happy dog who loves everyone she meets. She is extremely smart and has also earned her Performer Trick Dog title. Additionally, she is now competing in Advanced Rally. She is very photogenic and will do just about anything for a treat! The photo shows Belle taking the last jump of her MACH run,” Donna said.

MACH Poppy Garvey MXB MJB XF T2B owned by Sarah Garvey of Los Angeles, CA

Poppy began her life as part of a rescue litter in Southern California and is named after the California poppy wildflower. When Sarah brought her home at 8 weeks, neither had any idea of the amazing agility journey that awaited. “I had never heard of agility,” Sarah explains. “But Poppy was a handful, and someone told me that it could help her channel her energy and drive.”

They signed up for a class and were hooked. Soon they were travelling around Southern California to train and compete.

“Agility has been life-changing for Poppy and thus for me. It has helped us bond, find focus, have fun, and stay in shape. We love it.” In addition to agility, Poppy is crazy about swimming and chasing tennis balls. She also loves stopping for burgers on the way home from trials.

Some competition highlights are going to NAC in Tulsa and earning their MACH on Oct. 29 in Camarillo, CA. “For us, agility has always been about much more than titles. It is about spending time together and making the most of every run. But the MACH was an important milestone. It was a special achievement for us, and we are very proud to have earned it.”

Photo Courtesy of GreatDanePhotos

Congratulations also to these dogs who have earned their first MACH:

• MACH No Pippin’ Promises MXB MJB XF owned by Madelyn Rohde of Rio Rancho, NM 
• MACH Happy Pants MXS MJB OF T2B owned by Erin & Matt Heeren of Ankeny, IA 
• MACH Mischief On My Mind MXB MJS NF TKN owned by Kristina Hanson of Topeka, KS 
• MACH Piper Ray MXB MJB THDN CGC TKI owned by Chelsea B. Kardell of Papillon, NE 
• MACH Bazinga! MXB MJB XF T2B owned by Kristen Phillips of Burbank, IL 

Preferred Agility Championships (PACH)

Congratulations to these dogs who have earned more PACHs:

• AGCH MACH11 PACH4 Lanakila Doin It By Example MXG3 PDS MJC3 PJS MXP9 MXPG MJP11 MJPC PAX4 MFG TQX T2B8 owned by Caroline A. King of Sanger, TX 
• PACH2 Harlequin Cohee OA NAJ MXP6 MXPS MJP8 MJPG PAX2 OFP T2BP3 owned by Kim Cohee of Sandy, UT 
• PACH12 Crosby’s Quinn MXP29 MXPG3 MJP37 MJPG4 PAX12 MFP T2BP7 owned by Krisanne Crosby of North Chesterfield, VA 
• MACH PACH4 Logan’s Flash Of An Angel Trixie MXB MJB MXP11 MXPC PADP MJP12 MJPC PJDP PAX4 XF MFPS TQXP T2B T2BP3 BCAT RATO CGC TKA ATT owned by Mrs. Antje L. Logan of Denham Springs, LA 
• MACH3 PACH2 Gilly Of Redwood MXC MJC MXP5 MXPS PADP MJP7 MJPS PAX2 XF owned by Marcy Jacobs of Godfrey, IL 
• AGCH MACH15 PACH7 Moses Raphael York UD BN GN GO RAE5 MXB4 PDG MJC4 PJG MXP16 MXPS2 MJP17 MJPG2 PAX7 MFC TQX T2B9 DJ CGCA CGCU TKA owned by Jordan Patrick York of Evansville, IN 
• MACH5 PACH3 Olszewski’s Buffy MXG2 MJS2 MXP8 MXPG MJPS PAX3 OF NFP owned by Sandra Olszewski of Freeland, MD 
• MACH2 PACH2 Betty Sue Stien MXS MJS2 MXP5 MXPS MJP6 MJPS PAX2 MXF MFP T2B T2BP owned by H. F. Rick Stienecker of Cypress, TX 

Congratulations to these dogs for earning their first PACH titles:

PACH Spree AX AXJ MXP4 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX OF MFP owned by Patricia Kaufman of Dade City, FL 

Spree was a young adult when Patricia adopted her from a Border Collie rescue organization. She has been doing agility for eight years and earned her PACH at the Colusa Dog Agility Club on Sept. 10, 2021.

“She is ‘Miss Reliable’ in the ring,” Patricia said. “Her favorite thing is to hang out with her friends no matter what the activity. Besides agility she enjoys hiking, chasing a ball, tug, cycling, and most of all eating. She has qualified for AKC nationals this year and plans to retire afterwards.”

PACH Sodor’s Lucky Charm CDX PCDX BN RE MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX owned by Susan & Richard Wright of St. Charles, MO 

Lucky joined the Wright family in January 2013 at 2 ½ years old. “He had good drive and desire, and basic obedience skills, which was a plus,” Susan said.

They began obedience classes, and Lucky earned a Beginner Novice, CD, and Rally Novice titles fairly quickly. Then on to Open level, where he quickly learned all the exercises except for one: the retrieve over the high jump. “He had a great retrieve but was terrified of the solid high jump.”

After years of trying, a handler friend suggested agility to see if that would give Lucky the confidence to take the jump. Susan had never done agility, but she gave it a try. Lucky loved it, but Susan was reluctant to compete. He just needed that retrieve over the high jump to earn his CDX title!

By this time, he was 7 years old. Their instructor saw potential to get a PACH! He was 8 ½ years old when he made his first Novice run and qualified. The pair was into Master Preferred when COVID shut everything down in March 2020. Then, while practicing at home in the backyard, Susan stepped wrong and tore a meniscus in her right knee. Soon, trials resumed, but she couldn’t.

“My husband wanted to give it a try, so I handed the reigns over to him,” she said. “That was in July 2020. I had planned to resume after the knee surgery, but the two of them had become such a good team, I decided to let Richard keep running with Lucky.” On Sept. 14, 2021, at a trial hosted by the Ibizan Hound Club at Purina Farms, team Richard and Lucky earned the PACH title. Lucky was 11 ½ years old!

“Oh, and by the way, in December 2019, Lucky conquered that retrieve over the high jump and earned his CDX title. Because of his refusal of the high jump, Lucky, my husband Rich, and I all became involved in a sport we truly love and will continue with.”

PACH Jesse Belle RI MX MXB MXJ MJB MXP4 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX XF TKI owned by Cindy Stewart-Mackes of Pedricktown, NJ 
Jesse Belle received her PACH title at the Blue Heron Agility Club of Delaware trial on Sept.17, 2021, with a double blue.

She will be 13 years old in February and has retired from agility. “But there’s no stopping her,” Cindy said. “She is competing full time in rally.”

“For a born agility pup, she surprisingly has taken to the slower pace of rally with full focus and knows once she’s in the ring, it’s go time. She has excelled in this sport and has qualified for Rally Nationals twice. Thank you so much for all you do for our All American pups!”

MACH3 PACH Sir Tucker MXC MJS2 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX MFG TQX T2B5 CGC TKN owned by Scott & Denise Beaumont of Granite Falls, WA 

In November 2010, Scott and Denise went to a puppy rescue for what was to be a socialization experience. Denise wanted to meet the Golden Retriever mix puppies they had listed, but they were having medical treatment for a skin issue and were not on site.

“So, we went to help socialize the Australian Shepherd mix litter. It quickly became apparent that we weren’t going to leave without a puppy when my husband kept playing with the two boys in the litter, and the rescue owner kept saying how much she liked us and that Tucker kind of looked like a Golden.”

It was the best decision to walk away with him that day,” Denise said. Tucker has proven to be a very talented agility dog with three MACHs, a PACH, CGC and TKN, qualifying for agility nationals every year since he was 4 and attending three times. He is almost always in the top 10 for All American Dogs for his jump height on the Bad Dog Agility Quarterly list. “We hope for several more years for Team Tucker. He still loves the game!”

AGCH MACH21 PACH Feel The Need MXB6 PDC MJC6 PJC MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX MFB3 TQX MFPB TQXP T2B12 CGC owned by Janet K. Boggs of Crawfordsville, IN

AGCH MACH21 PACH Feel the Need, AKA Speedy, received his PACH at TNT Dog Training Center in Midland, MI, on Oct. 30, 2021.

“Speedy is the most titled dog I have had in my life,” Janet said. “He is so much fun! One of his favorite games, especially in his older and ‘wiser’ years, is to see how many off-course tunnels he can possibly take on any given day! He knows I am not queuing them but knows I just can’t get mad at him either. My friends tell me that tunnels are his jam.

“Today, his goofy shenanigans just put a smile on my face, a memorable NQ in my pocket, and some joy in my soul in that I am still able to run my beloved 10 ½ -year-old Speedy. I think he is terrific and that I am pretty darn lucky to have him in my life!”

Congratulations also to these dogs on their first PACH titles:

• PACH Sasha Nicole RN MXP3 MXPB MJP8 MJPG PAX XFP T2BP CGCA TKI owned by Jill LaGrange & David Swank of Port Angeles, CA 
• MACH2 PACH My Favorite Jeans CD RE MXS MJG MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX XF T2B3 CGC TKN owned by Linda Musgrave of Wichita Falls, TX 
• PACH Thorntons Oreo MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX owned by Wayne & Patricia Thornton of Pismo Beach, CA 

COURSING ABILITY TESTS

Coursing Ability Excellent – Congratulations to this dog for earning her first CAX titles for passing the CAT test 25 times:

Katie Lynn Panger Santangelo CD BN RAE CAX FCAT2 THD CGC TKN owned by Sissy Santangelo of Harahan, LA

Katie was taken in as a foster at 6 weeks old from Whippet Rescue and Replacement. After spending time with her, Sissy decided to keep her.

In an obedience class, it was brought to her attention that Katie might be a good competition dog. She had never competed before but was up for the challenge. At their first trial at the Houston World Series Dog Show, Katie won first place in Beginner Novice. She continued to earn titles, placing in almost every trial she competed in.

She excelled in Coursing Ability and Fast CAT and is still running at 11 ½ years old. She earned her CAX title in Bush, LA, in November 2021. “She was also a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International until the COVID pandemic hit. All of this, in spite of her diagnosis at 2 years old with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). With appropriate enzyme supplements, she continues to enjoy as many dog sports as Mom can get her to! She is truly a wonderful companion and I am so happy to have her. Rescues are great!”

Congratulations also to these dogs for earning their first CAX titles:

• Flying Geisha Over Pink Paper Moon OA OAJ NF CAX FCAT CGC TKA owned by Jacklyn Murphy of Denville, NJ
• Harlow’s Paddy FDC MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB XFP CAX FCAT3 THDA RATO TKN owned by Trudy Harlow & Edward Dervan of Arlington, VA 

Multiple CAX titles:

Congratulations to this dog for adding another CAX title to his name:

• Rudolfo CAX2 BCAT SIN owned by Wynne Phillips of Beacon, NY

Fast CAT

AKC ranks the fastest dogs of each breed in Fast CAT. Congratulations to the top five fastest All American Dogs! The speed shown is an average of the dog’s three top speeds for the season up to Feb. 7, 2022:

1. Wailin’ Phelan The Bearded Lass CAX FCAT8 owned by Krista Shreet & Ted Koch of Crownsville, MD – 30.79 mph
2. Ken’s Bow CA FCAT2 owned by Ken Harpley of Palmetto, FL – 30.14 mph
3. Tucker’s NUPRO Adventures CAA DCAT CGC TKN owned by Janis Gianforte-Horner of Farmingdale, NJ – 29.18 mph
4. Wildwood’s Wiggly Down Under BCAT owned by Shelley Winsworth of Wimberley, TX – 28.66 mph
5. Seriously No Doubt CAX FCAT3 owned by Gloria Fay of St. Petersburg, FL – 28.62 mph

OBEDIENCE

UDX

Congratulations to this dog for earning the Utility Dog Excellent title:

Trumpet’s Call To Victory UDX BN RE AX AXJ ACT2 CGC TKA owned by Maria & Ralph Orlando and Victory Hulett of Port Orange, FL

Six-year-old Trumpet earned her UDX at the Obedience Club of Daytona on Dec. 11, 2021. To earn the prestigious UDX, a dog must qualify 10 times in both Utility and Open B Obedience classes and must have achieved the UD title before pursuing the UDX.

Trumpet loves training, and for her it never stopped during the pandemic. There are plans for more obedience and agility as well as tracking training in her future. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming in her pool, riding with her dad in his truck, and playing ball. She is an Australian Koolie, rare breed not yet recognized by AKC.

 

Congratulations also to this dog for earning the UDX title:

• Psp’s Phantom Gabi Daydream Believer UDX PCD OM3 BN owned by Brenda K. Shaw of Eden Prairie, MN 

UDX2

Congratulations to this dog for adding another Utility Dog Excellent title to her name:

• Delta Daisy UDX2 OM2 owned by Sheila O’Brien of Barry, MN 

UD

Congratulations to this dog for earning the Utility Dog title:

• Missi Itsy Bitsy Smith Reynolds UD BN CGCA CGCU TKI owned by Angela Smith of North Fort Myers, FL 

RALLY

Rally Champion (RACH)

RACH Harvey Dent Quirk CD BN RM3 RAE3 ACT1 CGC owned by Jeff & Ariel Quirk of Seminole, FL 
“To quote a famous movie, ‘rescue dogs are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.’ I once heard a judge say, ‘Not every dog is a show dog, but every show dog is a pet.’ I want to add to that and say, ‘While not every dog is a purebred, any dog can do it.’ It takes hard work, dedication, and teamwork,” Jeff said.

Named after the Batman character, Harvey Dent was rescued from Ears Rescue and Foster as an 8-week-old puppy. He was a spunky, sight-driven puppy with a lot of energy. Jeff knew he had the drive to work but didn’t know quite what to do with him. In their second puppy class at the Dog Training Club of St Petersburg, they met their trainer, Janet Valentovich. “She has been our guide and teacher ever since. Our success is much attributed to her coaching and care.”

“Harvey fits his given name very well. This two-faced puppy is either loyal and focused or completely mischievous. However, as he’s aged, he has matured into a very well rounded and obedient canine.”

The team showed in the AKC Rally National Championship in Ohio in June and earned the Rally Championship title on Aug. 29, 2021, at the Dog Training Club of St Petersburg. “We are hoping to attend nationals again and to start working on an obedience and eventual agility championships. At only 4years old, he’s already accomplished so much. We cannot wait to see how much farther we can go.”

RACH Kleine Meisje CD BN RM3 RAE2 THD CGCA TKA owned by Nancy Johnson & Lynwood Patterson of Stedman, NC 

Meisje (pronounced MAY-SHA) came to Nancy and Lynwood at 8 weeks. Her full name means “little girl” in Dutch.

They started rally when Meisje was a year and a half old in late 2015. The original goal was to strengthen their bond to become a better therapy dog team. “The classes are a highlight of our week because we get to hang out with friends, both two-legged and four-legged,” Nancy said.

Their first rally trial was in December 2017. From then on, they were hooked on the joy of participating in rally, making new friends, and cheering on everyone as they compete. “Rally competitors, judges, and especially those running the trials are wonderful and welcoming.”

In addition to rally, she has competed in obedience and agility and has earned Trick Dog Advanced. Before the pandemic, she regularly visited a school to help early elementary school kids improve their reading skills.

Meisje earned her RACH on Oct. 31, 2021, at Cape Fear Dog Training Club in Fayetteville, NC.

CT RACH H.E.L.P.Er. VCD1 BN RM2 RAE2 FDC MX MXJ MJB OF SWA SHDN CGCA CGCU TKP ATT owned by Alyson L. Deines-Schartz and Tim J. Schartz of San Diego, CA

Helper was 34 points and two triple Q’s away from her Rally Championship when COVID brought rally trials to a halt, so she took up the perfect pandemic sport: Tracking.

In 2010, Aly and Tim adopted Helper from Ravensgate Border Collie Rescue when she was just under a year old. Helper had reactivity issues but was also quite active. Luckily the Cascade Comet Flyball team welcomed her into their fold. With flyball and agility as outlets, Helper found a new life as a sports dog.

As Helper calmed into her life as a sports dog, they started to dabble in other sports such as obedience, rally, and scent work. Agility has always been her favorite, and in 2018 she qualified for and went to the AKC National Agility Championship.

At 11 years of age and after a few injuries, she has had to throw her enthusiasm into lower impact sports, so they began to focus on rally. Helper was inching closer to her RACH in early 2020 when COVID exploded, and the trials were canceled. Luckily a good friend introduced Aly and Helper to tracking, a sport that encourages social distancing. Helper took to it with enthusiasm and spent most of 2020 training in large parks and empty shopping centers. In early 2021, she finally got into her first trial.

“Despite her handler’s mistakes,” said Aly, “she passed her TD, TDX, and VST in three trials over a nerve wracking six-week period (well, nerve wracking for her handler, at least!) and earned her Champion Tracking title on March 21, 2021.”

When rally trials resumed, Helper earned her RACH at the Obedience Club of San Diego County’s trial on May 15, 2021.

Congratulations also to this dog for earning the RACH:

RACH Von Renegade’s Citizen Caine RM2 RAE2 TKI owned by Renee’ Nappier of Frederick, MD

SCENT WORK

SWD – Scent Work Detective

Reba’s Fancy Red Heart BN RE FDC CA FCAT ACT2 ACT2J SWD SWME SHDM THDN CGCA CGCU TKI owned by Barbara Anne Bumcrots of Maumee, OH

Reba already had a big first under her belt when she became the first All American Dog to earn the AKC Scent Work Masters title, and only the third dog of all breeds to finish that top-level title.

Next, she became the first dog of any breed to receive the required number of qualifying scores to earn all four of the Elite Level titles: SWNE, SWAE, SWEE and SWME.

And on Sept. 19, 2021, she earned the Scent Work Detective title.

When Barbara adopted Reba, she was 8 months old and had already had two homes. She is Barbara’s first rescue dog and came from the Golden Retriever Rescue Resource in Toledo, OH. Barbara said she has always had a “soft spot” for a red colored Golden Retriever, and Reba fit the bill and her smaller size was a plus.

Reba enjoyed agility and other sports, but in April 2017, their scent work journey began; Barbara found what Reba loved to do best.

Along the way they had many adventures for their scent work searches: an amusement park with a laser tag area, miniature golf area, go kart speedway, video arcade, hotels, schools, warehouses, old car dealerships, day care facilities, fairgrounds, a sheriff’s building with a jail cell, a church, an EMS/fire station, and a train depot.

“We have competed in 12 degrees below zero to 100 degrees and in rain, sleet, snow. I called us the ‘missed it by 1’ team a lot of the time. So close… many times.”

One complication was that for most trials they entered, Barbara was the trial secretary. “That was added stress, though we seemed to qualify only at those trials,” Barbara said. On one especially successful weekend, at the first AKC trial of Barbara’s new club (Northwest Ohio Scent Work Enthusiasts), they earned three legs!

They continue to enjoy competing in the Detective class. “Reba (unlike most dogs) loves to work containers, so we have over 30 legs in Excellent & Master containers,” Barbara said. “Since I put on so many trials locally and all over Michigan and Ohio, I enter her in other things to keep it fun for her.”

SWM – Scent Work Master

CT Sype’s Harlie CD PCD BN RE TDU2 FDC SWM THDA CGCA CGCU TKA owned by Gail and George Sype of Rossford, OH

Harlie is a very “loving happy mooch pooch,” a Weimaraner/lab mix, now more than 12 ½ years old. The Sypes adopted him from a rescue.

“The previous owners said he was untrainable,” Gail said, but Harlie’s stellar career has more than proved them wrong. Gail counted 43 AKC titles, several years as a therapy dog, and being a great family member. He added the cherry to the top of that career when he earned his Scent Work Master title on Dec. 19, 2021, at the Buckeye Tracking Club trial.

Gail likes this photo because it shows how much Harlie loves working and participating in dog sports; it was taken just after he earned the SWM in December. “The smile on his face is priceless and shows that love. He misses greatly all the things he used to be able to do.”

Unfortunately, Gail is “99% sure this will be his last title due to his health condition (degenerative myelopathy). Since he became part of our family at 8 months, we have been honored to share his amazing incredible journey. We are so blessed to continue sharing his life and love. I don’t know how much more time we have with him, but we certainly are going to try to make his life comfortable, happy, telling him what a good boy he is and how much he is loved,” she said.

TRICK DOG

TKE (Trick Dog Elite Performer)

Pearlie Mae Stufflebeam RI NA NAJ SWN SCA CGCA CGCU TKE owned by Beth Juhl and Patrick Williams of Fayetteville, AR

Pearl, a stray adopted from a shelter, came to Beth and Patrick in rough physical shape but with a healthy sense of fun and a lively intelligence. She loves to learn new things and holds titles in CCG, rally, agility, and scent work in addition to Trick Elite Performer. Through their dog training school, Dogtastic, Pearl had the opportunity to work on screen and stage. She was an extra in season 3 of HBO’s True Detective and played the role of “Spot” in TheatreSquared’s 2019 production of Shakespeare in Love, sharing the ‘spotlight’ in rotation with her pal, Freckles. “AKC events keep us active, engaged, and out of trouble,” Beth said. When not participating in dog sports, Pearl enjoys eating, playing the piano, and romping with her friend Henry the cat.

Camo’s Cali CD RE CGC TKE owned by Sandy Simmons of Springdale, AR 

The Simmons were not looking for another dog when Cali came into their lives. “My son was shopping when he saw a woman trying to get rid of a litter of pups. He was concerned about the fact that she was willing to give them to anyone, and they might not get a good home,” Sandy said. “So, he brought Cali home to join our Doberman and Papillon.”

Cali was supposedly a Catahoula-cattle dog mix and possibly a double merle with poor vison and was shy and very anxious. As she grew older, she began displaying fear aggression. Wanting to help her, Sandy enrolled in obedience classes. Cali did well, earning obedience and rally titles, “but showing was stressful for her. The fear and anxiety never got better in large places. I decided to stop competing,” Sandy said.

In the following months Cali became ill, and Sandy got a call from their vet that she only had hours to live. They rushed her across state lines to a specialty hospital, and Cali was diagnosed with Addison’s disease. “Her health has been a constant battle. She suffered kidney damage from being in crisis. But I am lucky to say after working monthly with an internal medicine veterinary specialist, she is now stable.”

“I love the bonding you experience with training, so we continued with classes and started working on her trick titles. She loved learning tricks… We trained and tested with Amanda Henry of Dogtastic, where we completed our TKE. We picked a magic routine in honor of my father who loved magic and shared my passion for dogs. My son was right; that puppy needed a special home. Cali has taught me patience, perseverance and to examine the behavior and look into the soul of the dog.”

Sweet Home Alabama Princess Ruby Mae CGCA TKE owned by Alexandra Shunick of Gainesville, FL

“Meet Ruby! She is the friendliest ball of fluff you will ever meet, unless you deliver for Amazon!” Alexandra said. “She easily ate over a million dog treats in preparation for her Trick Dog Elite Performer Title.”

She was awarded the title on Nov. 4, 2021 at Dog’s Play in Archer, FL.

Ruby is an adorably loyal Velcro dog who is always right beside her people. She loves to ride in the car with the window open, do tricks, and get belly rubs.

“Her favorite trick is performed when you aren’t watching. She can get a tissue and tear it into a million pieces in less than five seconds! Besides her Trick Dog Elite Performer title, she has also earned her CGC and CGC Community titles. Ruby’s family “loves her beyond words.”

Dixon’s Sasha CGC TKE owned by Paula Dixon of Frederick, CO 

Sasha is a terrier mix who is almost 4 years old. She was adopted from a shelter when she was about a year old. She fit in with the household that included Jack, another rescue dog, and Monte, a cat.

She started learning tricks during her first puppy kindergarten class and now loves doing them for treats.

“Her favorite tricks are usually those that involve running around in circles. Sasha loves to show off her skills by performing for friends and family who stop by the house. She was very excited to earn her TKE title in 2020 and submit her first video for the annual trick contest,” Paula said.

She also earned her novice Stunt Dog and Canine Good Citizen titles in 2020. In addition to learning more tricks, Sasha is working on learning the skills to become a therapy dog and is also attending agility classes. They hope to compete in their first agility trial this year.

Lovegood’s Wit Beyond Measure TKE owned by Kaylin & Caleb Haugen of Columbus, OH

The Haugens adopted 3-year-old Luna adopted in April 2020. Kaylin began teaching her tricks shortly after they brought her home to improve communication and boost her confidence. “Initially, she struggled to learn the basics like sit, down, and shake, but she started to catch on soon,” Kaylin said. “As we continued to learn new tricks, I decided to get her novice trick title and maybe her intermediate title. I never thought we would get beyond that!”

On Nov. 3, 2021, in Columbus, OH, they completed the Trick Dog Elite Performer title using their favorite tricks, such as “burrito” (Luna wrapping herself in a blanket) and “footsies” (keeping her front paws on Kaylin’s feet as they walk together). “This title represents hours upon hours of hard work and fun together; it also proves that rescue dogs can excel in dog sports!”

They began agility classes in April 2021 and have made great progress in the sport; Luna especially loves the A-frame. “In our free time, we love exploring nature together. Additionally, Luna thoroughly enjoys destroying squeaky toys and giving kisses to everyone she meets. While she loves doing tricks and agility, her favorite activity in the world is snuggling up on the couch with her people.”

Kaiser OA OAJ NAP NJP OF NFP CAA BCAT DEA CGCA CGCU TKE owned by Anna Fowler of Lake Stevens, WA

Kaiser is an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever/Border Collie mix. “He was my first puppy and is the best dog I could have asked for,” Anna said. “He enjoys a variety of sports such as flyball, agility, dock diving, coursing and Frisbee. Anything I ask him to do he does with his all.”

Anna and Kaiser have traveled to Indiana, Edmonton, Illinois, and California for competitions. He placed second in Elite Distance with North American Diving Dogs in 2020.

“Kaiser and I have done therapy work at a senior living community, and everyone there loved all of his tricks and he loved how excited everyone got for him. I am so grateful to be his person and love all the things we get to do together,” Anna said. Kaiser earned his TKE on Oct. 22, 2021, in Lake Stevens, WA.

Daisy Jane Doodle Dwarf TKE owned by Olivia Cunningham of Plano, TX 

Ten-year-old Daisy is the first dog Olivia has owned and trained. She got her as a rescue in 2011.

“I got lucky to have such an amazing dog,” Olivia said. “When training, she tries her best to please and is smart as a whip. She picks up new tricks quickly and loves our training sessions.” Her favorite way to spend the day is playing fetch at the lake or cuddled up with the family watching a movie. She is very affectionate and enjoys playing with her toys and also enjoys the sport of Barn Hunt.

During the pandemic, Daisy was awarded her Trick Dog Performer Elite title. “It was such a fun accomplishment, and it kept us busy while in quarantine. Working through the trick titles bonded us even more closely and I learned so much about the art of trick training. While working on her trick titles she got to show off many tricks she already knew, as well as learn new ones!”

One of her favorite tricks to perform is ‘pick pocket’ – Daisy takes an item from Olivia’s back pocket while Olivia isn’t looking. “This trick is always a crowd pleaser, and this happy canine gets excited to show off what she knows. My experiences working with her have made me the person, and dog trainer, that I am today. For as much as I have taught Daisy, she has taught me so much more. Daisy is my pride and joy, and every day is made better by her simply being in my life.”

Cleo The Heeler BCAT TKE VHMA owned by Ivette Alondra Cosio of Houston, TX 

Cleo came into Ivette’s life on June 7, 2019. Ivette was 14 at the time and though there were family dogs, Cleo is the first one that was just hers. “I expected an easy-going puppy – but boy was she a handful,” Ivette said. She did not know about the high energy level of an Australian Cattle Dog, and Cleo quickly became destructive.

Ivette researched ways to keep Cleo busy and came across trick training. “We tried it, and she learned her very first trick, ‘spin,’ right away! This was jaw-dropping to me since I had never trained a dog to do anything until then. I wanted to teach her more and see what she was capable of.”

Every new trick Cleo learned, Ivette enthusiastically went to show her parents and siblings. “This never stopped; I still do it today,” she said. When she came across AKC and the virtual Trick Dog program she knew she wanted to participate and earn titles.

“Since I was doing virtual school at the time, I would multitask and teach Cleo tricks while in meetings. We submitted our first video for Novice Trick Dog and passed on Jan. 5, 2021. This was an exciting moment for us, and we started to train for the next titles.” They earned all of the titles in a few months, and the Elite Performer on Nov. 29, 2021. They also earned the AKC Virtual Home Manners title on June 8, 2021.

Ivette was interested in finding other sports for Cleo, so she researched and found a place near her that offers Fast CAT. “We tried it and she did amazingly!” They entered more trials, and Cleo earned her BCAT on Oct. 16, 2021. They are now training for rally and obedience. “Words cannot describe how thankful and proud I am for this girl; she changed my entire life.” Ivette is now educating people online about ways to try sports with their dogs. She also dedicated her AP Art theme to the benefits of dog sports.

Congratulations also to these dogs who have earned the TKE title:

• Joly’s Belle FDC OA AXJ MXP MJP CGC TKE owned by Ava Maria Joly of Huntsville, AL
• Doerr’s Lucky CGCA CGCU TKE owned by Mel Doerr & Gary Haverkamp of Glenview, IL 
• Watson’s Callie CGC TKE owned by Melanie Watson of Paducah, KY
• Whiskey Derebery CGC TKE owned by Rochelle Derebery of Euless, TX